Audi A4 Wagon Knowledge Share

I'm contemplating an A4 wagon with manual transmission as my next daily driver.

• What do i need to know?
• Which years are better for DIY modification and tuning? 
• Which years are more reliable or easier to maintain?
• Anything to avoid or problems to watch for? 

I just started at a dealership that has Audi so I have no idea but Monday I will be surrounded by guys who do.  Have you looked at any yet that caught your eye?  I can get some basic answers but if you have any local to you that you like I can ask what's up specifically with that year/engine 

I'd personally avoid any made after about 2002.  The 2.8 30v is kind of a rare engine because the 1.8t was such a good base engine, BUT that V6 has a wonderful top end charge like an E30 325i.

I'm looking at the B8 (2008 - 2015) or maybe the B7. I'm thinking 2.0 Turbo w/6 speed manual but am open to the V6 if it can be had with a manual trans.